Step 1

Preheat oven to 350°F degrees.

Step 2

Line two baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone mats.

Step 3

In a stand mixer, beat the butter and sugar together until it becomes light and creamy, about 2 minutes. Mix in the vanilla extract.

Step 4

Slowly add in the flour, while mixing, until it is just incorporated.

Step 5

Roll the dough into 35 balls, and arrange them on the baking sheets about 1" apart.

Step 6

Use a spoon to press down on the top of the cookies,

Step 7

Press on the bowl of the spoon, making a small divot in the center of each cookie.

Step 8

Bake the thumbprint cookies for 12–15 minutes, until lightly golden brown.

Step 9

Immediately after baking, press the spoon into each "thumbprint" indent again, as the cookies will have likely risen back up a bit during baking.

Step 10

Cool the cookies on the cookie sheet until they are safe to handle.

Step 11

Fill each thumbprint cookie with approximately 1–1 1/2 teaspoons of jam.

Step 12

Serve and enjoy!